Cargo Vessel Hijacked by Armed Pirates Off Somalia Coast

A cargo ship has been hijacked off the coast of Somalia after eight armed attackers boarded the vessel and seized control, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.

UKMTO said the incident occurred approximately four nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia, and was reported by the vessel's company security officer at 1136 UTC on Monday.

Eight armed unauthorized persons boarded the unidentified cargo vessel and took control, UKMTO said. Authorities are investigating, while vessels operating in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.

The hijacking comes despite southwest monsoon conditions that typically restrict the ability of Somali pirate groups to operate far offshore. A Joint Maritime Information Center assessment issued Sunday said rougher offshore conditions were limiting extended-range skiff operations but warned that sheltered coastal waters continued to provide opportunities for piracy.

Four merchant vessels were already being held in the broader region as of Sunday, according to JMIC, including the product tanker Honour 25 and general cargo ship Sward, both hijacked off Somalia in April.

The latest incident suggests the piracy threat remains active close to the Somali coastline even during the southwest monsoon season.